10/13/2026
Anita J. Beidler, of Leola, passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 83. She was predeceased by her parents and husband Donald, with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. She is survived by four siblings and her children: Lorin (Emily), Leanne (Kevin Hersh), and Lyle (Melissa). She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Berkeley, Willa, Kyra Lile (Jeffrey), Declan Hersh, Miranda, Kayden, and Mae. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren.
Born and raised in Bucks County, she and Don lived in Arizona for 2 years doing voluntary service, then relocated to Lancaster County.
A homemaker most of her life, she found fulfilling employment later in life with Ten Thousand Villages and Hoober, Inc; both places where her problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and organized mind helped her succeed.
She enjoyed sewing and knitting, making baby hats, prayer shawls, sweaters, and baby blankets.
She was a musician all her life. She loved to sing: at church, with her siblings, and in Franconia Lancaster Choral Singers. She was an excellent pianist, and her baby grand piano was one of her prized possessions.
She and Don loved to golf together, and did so often. Most of their rounds of golf together ended with a stop for ice cream! They fulfilled a bucket-list item of golfing together in all 50 states, traveling much of the country in their RV.
In retirement, their RV took them to the Southeast once a year, where they volunteered together repairing hurricane-damaged homes with Mennonite Disaster Service.
Anita loved to play games, especially with her kids and grandkids. Card and board games were the favorites. She and Don played in a bridge group for many years, later joined by Lyle and Melissa.
Later in life, her affection, joy, and hugs endeared her to many of the staff at Landis Homes.
Services will be on Saturday, November 21 at 11 am with visitation from 9-11am at Forest Hills Mennonite Church, 100 Quarry Rd, Leola.